Starbucks introduced three new Mini Pies in late August, aiming to give customers a taste of Thanksgiving well before the holiday. The 3½-inch treats, apple crumble, pecan and pumpkin, joined the chain’s fall menu.
Mini pies hit stores as the season shifts
Starbucks describes the apple crumble version as layered with tender apples and a buttery streusel topping. The pecan pie features a buttery filling with toasted nutty notes and caramelized sweetness. The pumpkin option carries a creamy pumpkin filling infused with gentle fall spices.
All three pies are offered in a single box that can be ordered in-store, at drive-throughs, or through the Starbucks app where they appear under the Bakery section.
First impressions from the tasting
Reviewers who visited a Starbucks reported that the apple crumble and pecan pies were heated by staff, while the pumpkin pie arrived at room temperature. The heated pies were reheated in a toaster oven before tasting, a step that highlighted the contrast between warm and cool servings.
The apple crumble mini pie resembled a cookie more than a traditional pie. A thick streusel and oat topping covered a soft apple base, creating a crunchy exterior and warm interior. The crust proved fragile, breaking apart when lifted, but the combination of textures earned praise for its seasonal flavor.
The pecan mini pie presented a single glossy pecan at its center, set against a brown filling that resembled a lightly caramelized glaze. The crust remained sturdy, and the bite delivered buttery, sugary notes reminiscent of classic pecan pie, though reviewers noted a scarcity of pecan pieces inside the filling.
The pumpkin mini pie was the most visually ornate, featuring a decorative white oak leaf on top of a caramel-brown filling. Its aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg was strong, but the crust showed structural issues, with one piece cracking during handling.
Ordering and availability details
The mini pies appear in the Bakery section of the app, under a dedicated Mini Pies sub-section.
Customers may collect them at any participating outlet, request drive-thru service, or schedule delivery where the platform supports it.
Availability extends across the chain’s nationwide network, though stock levels vary by location and may deplete quickly.
Orders can be placed for immediate pick-up or scheduled for later, giving flexibility to busy patrons.
Reviewer’s assessment criteria and overall verdict
The tasting evaluation considered flavor, presentation, texture, temperature, aroma, value, familiarity, originality, uniqueness, and overall worthiness.